Cases may not go ahead if sex offenders are not represented

The move by the Glasgow Bar Association raises the prospect of sex offenders not being represented in a move that could halt trials.

They association said it had been "let down" by the Scottish Executive and called for "fairer treatment".

Ministers said they were committed to ensuring fair payments.

Gerry Considine, vice president of the Glasgow Bar Association, said: "We are not here to disrupt the administration of justice.

Instruction and advice

"We've implemented new procedures that have been brought in but we've been let down by the Scottish Executive."

Sex offenders are not allowed to cross examine witnesses in court.

Without a defence agent, trials could be stopped.

Vincent McGovern, a criminal lawyer in Hamilton, said: "We are requested to take instruction from our client and advise him.

"That delves into detail which is at the inner reaches of human conduct at its worst.

Rates of payments

"If I were to spend 25 minutes listening to a client's account about a sexual offence on a young girl my business - not me personally - would earn �21.

"I think it is fair to say the man on the street will appreciate we have a good case for fairer treatment."

The Scottish Executive said it is committed to setting rates of payments which ensure fair remuneration.

On Friday, the Law Society of Scotland's council backed a motion calling on members to withdraw all co-operation from the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) in criminal matters.

Committee inquiry

The society's legal aid team will pull out of talks with officials from the executive and SLAB on legal aid reforms.

The society is continuing to press for an immediate meeting with Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry and will write to Holyrood's Justice 1 Committee.

Solicitors want MSPs to reopen the committee's 2001 inquiry into the remuneration of solicitors doing legal aid work.